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The Cheetahs have exceeded expectations,whether there was any from the get go or not, they surprised all of us and attributed a lot to the proud feeling the rugby-mad South African supporters can't go a day without. But I also believe it will take a couple of seasons for them to become "use" to the moment they are in now and I say that based on the fact that the moment got a little bit to big for them to handle. They started of the season as a unit, but the last couple of fixtures they felt back into the "South African" rugby habit of relying to much on certain players. If Willie le Roux isn't firing and Raymond Ruhle can't keep his hands on the ball, they look a bit aimless. But its still a big improvement for a team of their caliber.
The Kings had a fairy tale season in my view. The records they achieved, including crowd attendance, victories aboard, the fact that they got thrashed the one week and stood up the next, speaks for itself. They taught Super Rugby a lesson. "With us or against us, we play for P.E". I'm extremely proud of them. They took advantage of their situation, their supporters got behind them from day one. They only lost 7 games, won 3 and drew 1. In their first season. I believe that if they stick to their current structures, manage to keep guys like Sergi, Sykes, as well as Dimitri the "CAT'', experience will improve the above-mentioned statistics and who knows, maybe they surprise the rugby world even more in coming seasons. Well done boys. Even though there's couple of fixtures remaining, in my books, you already gave me enough reason to keep on watching every Kings game and supporting you as if you where my own team. Well done.
Then its the Bulls. At the end of the 2011 season, their big guns called it a day. As legends of the game, they drew a line, and left Loftus with something special to one day tell our kids about. At that stage I honestly thought it would take more than a season or two for the new boys to get use to the Blue Structure Heyneke built from scratch back in '03.
But no, in 2012, they managed to reach the play-offs. The same achievement the Stormers got praised for in 2010, but the Bulls lost in their Christchurch '10 play-off match and for a moment there I was disappointed. But then I realized what a remarkable achievement the play-offs really was. They exceeded expectations.
And I was as positive as ever that the 2013 season, will be the season where the this young blooded Bulls "squad" will advance to the next level. And they have. I get that feeling when I enter Loftus on game-day, or turn on the T.V to witness their spectacles. Except this time around, Victor Matfield is part of the coaching staff. The legends of Bulls rugby got replaced by valid replacements. And its awesome to see these young guys play their part in the next Generation of the Bulls' legacy. Every single one of them. In my mind, they, along with the Kings, have the best spirit in their squads. I get the sense of enjoyment amongst the players. It clear to see that they enjoy the rugby they play.
I'm proud of the way the Bulls chipped their way to the position they are currently in. I believe they will win it. All the players are firing. There's at least 10 guys in each "match-day" starting lineup with leadership qualities. Spies doesn't have to walk around with the Captain star above his head. He's got guys like, Flip, Chilli, Dewald, Deon, Morne, Wynand, Akona and Zane around him and all of those players have been part of the structure for so long, not even talking about the fact that all of them tasted championship victory before, and its awesome to see their discussions when a decision must be made.
Frans Luduke rotes his players. Each individual knows whats expected from him. Morne Steyn got back on his horse to become the general he was back in '09 and '10, if not better. In my mind, the Bulls are the best balanced team in the competition this year, and yet to lose on their home ground, or in South Africa.
I believe they will go the distance this year, again.
But to say South African rugby supporters must feel disappointed about our status out there is an unfair statement. The Kings did us proud on number of occasions, in a lot of different ways. The Cheetahs finally play as a team and the Bulls, well, like I said, I believe the Bulls will go on to win this!! (Even if its just to prove their tactical game cant be stopped with the basics of running rugby.)
Go BOYS, GO!!!!!!!
The Kings had a fairy tale season in my view. The records they achieved, including crowd attendance, victories aboard, the fact that they got thrashed the one week and stood up the next, speaks for itself. They taught Super Rugby a lesson. "With us or against us, we play for P.E". I'm extremely proud of them. They took advantage of their situation, their supporters got behind them from day one. They only lost 7 games, won 3 and drew 1. In their first season. I believe that if they stick to their current structures, manage to keep guys like Sergi, Sykes, as well as Dimitri the "CAT'', experience will improve the above-mentioned statistics and who knows, maybe they surprise the rugby world even more in coming seasons. Well done boys. Even though there's couple of fixtures remaining, in my books, you already gave me enough reason to keep on watching every Kings game and supporting you as if you where my own team. Well done.
Then its the Bulls. At the end of the 2011 season, their big guns called it a day. As legends of the game, they drew a line, and left Loftus with something special to one day tell our kids about. At that stage I honestly thought it would take more than a season or two for the new boys to get use to the Blue Structure Heyneke built from scratch back in '03.
But no, in 2012, they managed to reach the play-offs. The same achievement the Stormers got praised for in 2010, but the Bulls lost in their Christchurch '10 play-off match and for a moment there I was disappointed. But then I realized what a remarkable achievement the play-offs really was. They exceeded expectations.
And I was as positive as ever that the 2013 season, will be the season where the this young blooded Bulls "squad" will advance to the next level. And they have. I get that feeling when I enter Loftus on game-day, or turn on the T.V to witness their spectacles. Except this time around, Victor Matfield is part of the coaching staff. The legends of Bulls rugby got replaced by valid replacements. And its awesome to see these young guys play their part in the next Generation of the Bulls' legacy. Every single one of them. In my mind, they, along with the Kings, have the best spirit in their squads. I get the sense of enjoyment amongst the players. It clear to see that they enjoy the rugby they play.
I'm proud of the way the Bulls chipped their way to the position they are currently in. I believe they will win it. All the players are firing. There's at least 10 guys in each "match-day" starting lineup with leadership qualities. Spies doesn't have to walk around with the Captain star above his head. He's got guys like, Flip, Chilli, Dewald, Deon, Morne, Wynand, Akona and Zane around him and all of those players have been part of the structure for so long, not even talking about the fact that all of them tasted championship victory before, and its awesome to see their discussions when a decision must be made.
Frans Luduke rotes his players. Each individual knows whats expected from him. Morne Steyn got back on his horse to become the general he was back in '09 and '10, if not better. In my mind, the Bulls are the best balanced team in the competition this year, and yet to lose on their home ground, or in South Africa.
I believe they will go the distance this year, again.
But to say South African rugby supporters must feel disappointed about our status out there is an unfair statement. The Kings did us proud on number of occasions, in a lot of different ways. The Cheetahs finally play as a team and the Bulls, well, like I said, I believe the Bulls will go on to win this!! (Even if its just to prove their tactical game cant be stopped with the basics of running rugby.)
Go BOYS, GO!!!!!!!
